Ch. 3: An Honest Reaction
The way he conducted himself was so erratic, and I stood there for a while still feeling that dread from earlier…-.
Director Will finished taking his notes, then his expression changed completely.
Will: "Right, there we go. And with that I think I'm even more knowledgeable about people's reactions to fear. I'll put this to good use in my next production. Sorry for scaring you OO."
OO: "You just said my name…"
Will: "Yeah, you've got some potential, so I'd like to get to know you a little better."
He wasn't at all shy when he said it, then he turned off the monitor.
Will: "Also, let's drop that formal 'Director' stuff, just call me Will."
OO: "Right…Will."
Will: "Yeah, so once more, hello OO and welcome to my studio!"
His beamed at me, then hit my shoulder so hard I thought it would dislocate.
Will: "Anyway, to think the person who woke me up would be someone like you…seems I truly am loved by the Gods of Horror!!"
I didn't quite get what he meant, but Will was in high spirits as I timidly asked him a question.
OO: "Um, your new piece that you said was finished in the invitation, is it…?"
Will: "A horror film of course. That bit you just saw."
His voice was cheerful as he winked at me from behind his glasses.
I wonder what it's about…and if I can watch it till the end…?
I felt a little overwhelmed as I thought about what would happen after this…-.
…
……
After that, Will made some tea and I pulled myself together as I sat in a chair.
Will: "How much sugar?"
OO: "Just one please."
Will: "Got it."
Will took out a sugar cube from a small dish.
However…
OO: "Wh-what is that!?"
Will: "Ah, see? Cute isn't it! It's sugar made to look like a skull. These details in the mold…isn't it super well done!? It was like love at first sight when I saw them at the coffee shop I usually go to. I begged them to give me some. The owner cried 'This guy loves skulls too---!'"
With a pallid finger, Will pointed to a pin on his chest that looked like a skull.
Will: "Cool right?"
[CHOICE]
-
Do you like skulls? (SUN)
-
Say nothing (MOON)
Will: "Well, drink up before it gets cold…the skull will dissolve into the tea real quick."
Saying so, he picked up a single sugar cube.
Will: "If you're scared, just wait till it dissolves."
Will dropped a single small skull into his own cup.
Will: "…it's fine. Don't worry. I hear from people all the time that I have odd tastes. But I guess girls have different tastes right?"
Will peered at me over the tops of his frames.
The way he looked at me was filled with some intense emotion…
Will: "I mean, it's natural that the reason you look so cute is because of this world's providence."
OO: "…"
Will reached out a finger and brushed my cheek.
He stared fixedly at me as he twirled my hair around his fingertip.
Will: "Right, OO?"
As my name came across his lips, a tooth poked out that looked like it belonged to a vampire in a horror movie, and I started feeling uneasy.
I can't get myself to calm down…
I unintentionally turned away from his gaze.
Then, his fingers suddenly moved again and grabbed my chin.
OO: "…"
Will: "It's clear just looking at how you reacted earlier that you don't like horror…but for reference, would you tell me your favorite kind of movie?"
OO: "M-my favorite?"
Movies…the kind of movie I like…
[CHOICE]
-
Something with animals (SUN)
-
Something with romance (MOON)
Will: "Anyway, now I know that you're surprisingly honest! … well, me wanting to see your expressions was why I called you out here."
His voice was faint, and he smiled maliciously.
Will: "But I'll have to get my enjoyment later…since you came all this way, I'll show you around where we do all the movie making!"
My heart felt a twinge of unease as I recalled the exchanges we'd had up to this point.
OO: "No, that's alright…-"
Will: "It's no trouble!!"
And with that, I was pulled by the hand as Will took me from the editing studio.
OO: "Do you like skulls?"
Will: "Just as a motif. I just can't resist the peculiar shape of their sunken eyes. Though I love hearing a girl's scream even more."
OO: "…"
I fell into silence, unsure of what to say.
Will: "…that expression, it's not fear, and it's not anger. You look shocked."
OO: "…sorry."
OO: "I like romance."
Will whistled in excitement.
Will: "As expected of a girl. I wonder if I should incorporate some romance into my next project."
He looked as if he was thinking about something, his gaze focused on the days ahead, and he started jotting down notes again.
OO: "I like movies with animals."
Will: "…wonderful! I like those too."
OO: "You do?"
That's unexpected…
Will: "I especially like things about the savanna and its harsh environment, and the expressions of imminent dread as the animals feel their lives are in peril. There's so much to learn."
OO: "…"
Not knowing how to respond to that, I held back and said nothing.